Navarro’s Kenpo Karate & Gymnasium

I have been going to Navarro’s for about a year now. I started with kickboxing, taught by the owner himself, who has a radiant spirit and will get you sweating in no time. I sampled other classes such as muay thai. I now go to zumba-​Ruth is awesome and inspiring on Sat mornings at 11am. And the best class ever, a mix of afro-​cuban, hip hop dance with Enrique. The man knows how to move, and will get you movin too with great music. Seriously ladies, I’ve lost weight, feel great, have fun while doing it and it’s one of the things I miss when I am away. I have never felt this way about a gym or its instructors. Plus, it’s a really low key gym with out any pretenses other than to work out and have fun doin it.

I am attempting to get my fat ass in shape at Navarro’s (at the cardio muay thai classes offered MWF 11 – 12), and it’s really starting to work. Carlos Navarro is truly a great teacher and motivator. This place is responsible for a huge upturn in my health and wellbeing. If you’re turned off by the Spandex treadmill farm atmosphere of the big chain gyms, Navarro’s is a refreshing change of pace. They also offer muay thai classes on Tue/​Th at 7 – 9 PM. All levels of skill are welcome to all of the classes at Navarro’s.

My interest in muy thai began when I saw the Oxygen show «Fight Girls» which was a reality show based on 10 gals training for the prize of fighting the best female muy thai fighters in Thailand. They trained with Master Toddy, a renowned leader in muy thai championships. I thought this a great way to get in shape while gaining strength and stamina, plus learning boxing skills and self defense too. MUY THAI HAS IT ALL! I looked all over SF for daytime classes but most boxing gyms are only open at night. I found Navarro’s right here on Unilocal and started one-​on-​one sessions with owner professor Carlos Navarro. He is an amazingly energetic and inspiring teacher with a long history in teaching, training and turning out muy thai, cardio kickboxing and kenpo karate winners. The gym on Mission (at Cortland) is small and really old school, and you don’t get the glamour or attitude you would at most places. You go there to WORK! What you also get is a dedicated coach (his 2 kids are also instructors there and they are very accomplished champions themselves) and he builds in you the drive to succeed. I’m on my 4^th week there and am really enjoying it! Come see what Navarro’s is all about, while supporting a small, local business that has served our neighborhood for over 30 years.

I became interested in muay thai after training with some crazy krav maga guys. The one commented that I should try kickboxing so I looked around. Fairtex = big sweaty dudes. That didn’t sound good. Other places were further away. Living in the mission this location was perfect. SO, I took an introductory class. It should be stated on the outset that it doesn’t matter what kind of shape you’re in, if you don’t jump rope you’re toast in the first three minutes. As for the rest of the time… you’ll find a workout like none else. Jabs and kicks, knees and elbows, fists and feet. It’s like a dream come true for a diehard like myself. Even though I limped away from that first class I went back and I continue to go back. I’m now slowly painfully building stronger calves. All the better to kick you with.

This is where I currently train for Muay Thai. My instructor (kru) is a very nice guy. The atmosphere is for hardcore training, none of the high pressure sales pitch or long term contracts that drains your pocket. I actually started at Fairtex in Daly City for about a year and a half. It was good but I must tell you that at Navarro’s they teach more technique instead of just cardio kickboxing. They also train you for tournaments if you’re a serious fighter. I’m lucky to have found this place :)